I am struck by the lack of accountability of some Republican nominees for elected office. The League of Women Voters asks questions of all candidates and the answers to those questions are printed in the South Bend Tribune in an effort to educate voters about the positions of the various candidates. Their positions have real-life implications for all individuals living in the geographic area they seek to represent.
While Democratic candidates have responded to these questions, about a third of Republican candidates have apparently decided that they will not share their views with the public. Is this because they fear that sharing these views could jeopardize their election chances? Do they believe that the public has no interest in their views because voters will choose them regardless of their position? Or is it arrogance and lack of respect for voters that keeps them from responding?
Regardless of their reasoning, I ask each of them not to disrespect the intellect of the voting public and to respond to the impartial questions sent to them by the League. It is the public’s right to be informed so that each individual can make an informed decision about how to cast their vote.
Aileen Wehren
North Freedom
Good governance
Amanda Mitchell is running for St. Joseph County Commissioner for District 3. While her candidacy is to represent voters in southern St. Joseph County, based on her community activism, Mitchell will represent all county citizens through good governance and transparent government leadership, reflecting the will of the people and not special interests.
Just look at her leadership in assembling a coalition of citizens in her North Liberty community through Rethink Industrial Solar. She has shown a tireless effort to oppose a wholesale takeover by the solar industry that will forever change the rural landscape of that part of our province. In public service, she would bring that same level of energy, laser-focused intelligence and single-minded determination to all of St. Joseph County. I would encourage all voters in District 3 to support and vote for Amanda Mitchell. She would serve us well.
Kelly Ray
Granger
Support
I am writing in support of the candidacies of Democrats Lori Camp, 2nd Congressional District, and Heidi Beidinger, Indiana House District 5. Both Camp and Beidinger have articulated thoughtful plans to improve the economic, health, educational and safety lives of all Hoosiers. Both understand that better education is essential to economic success, and the importance of growth that protects rather than destroys our environment.
Understanding history, both past and recent, is important when voting. When the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery was passed, what is now the 2nd District was represented by Schuyler Colfax, who also served as Speaker of the House. Camp’s opponent recently voted to install a Confederate monument at Arlington National Cemetery and refuses to debate Camp. Bedinger’s opponent did not participate in the Q&A about the candidate published in The Tribune. Vote for candidates who will unite our state and country, and aren’t afraid to tell you where they stand on these issues. Vote for Camp and Beidinger.
Michael McManus
South bend
Vote McCray
I support Valerie McCray for U.S. Senate. She is uniquely qualified to serve. Her story is moving.
McCray would be the first female, African-American senator from Indiana. As a psychologist, she understands the impact of unjust policies on people. McCray wants to change that policy. A vote for McCray is a vote for fairness and equality.
It is a voice for affordable, high-quality health care for all, including reproductive and mental health care. McCray would be a crucial vote to codify Roe v. Wade.
It is a voice for workers’ rights. McCray will fight for workers’ rights to earn a living wage and join a union.
It is a voice for the dignity and worth of every human being. McCray will stand up for individuals who have been traditionally marginalized.
It is a vote for a healthy earth. McCray takes environmental issues seriously and will work to resolve them.
It is a vote for fully funded public schools and early childhood education. McCray wants every child to have the best opportunity for success.
Valerie McCray will make us proud. Let’s stand up and vote for change. Please join me in voting Valerie McCray for Senate on or before Tuesday, November 5.
Phillip J. Budrick
Michigan city
Compassionate leader
Hello, neighbors! My name is Tami Springer and I am the Democratic candidate for St. Joseph County Council, District I. I grew up in Osceola and attended Penn-Harris-Madison schools. I am married and have been at Notre Dame for 42 years. I graduated from Ivy Tech with an associate’s degree in business administration, followed by Trine University with a bachelor of science in psychology, and then Western Governor’s University with an MBA.
My previous husband died by suicide, leaving me alone to raise seven children. Despite this terrible tragedy, my family managed to survive and thrive thanks to the outpouring of compassion from local individuals and organizations. Now I want to give back to the community and help other families in crisis by strengthening provincial services such as the Department of Health, homeless housing, mental health services and libraries, where parents can decide what their children read, and not the government.
I will keep extremism out of our provincial government and focus on the needs of residents. I believe communities are stronger when neighbors help neighbors and I will provide responsible and compassionate leadership for St. Joe County. Visit my website at votetamispringer.com and help create a better future by voting for me on November 5.
Tami Springer
Democratic candidate for St. Joseph County Council, District I
Mishawaka
Trump’s party
It’s not your dad’s GOP. Today’s Republican Party is no longer the party of Lincoln. It’s not even Reagan’s party. It is the party of a thrice-married serial adulterer who tried to overturn the 2020 election with a violent mob.
Here in Indiana, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate has refused to reject an armed insurrection against the U.S. government. The gubernatorial candidate posted a digitally altered ad in which Democrat Jennifer McCormick falsely called for a ban on gas stoves. The candidate for lieutenant governor is a far-right Christian nationalist. And the current 2nd District congressman refuses to debate his Democratic opponent, Lori Camp, even though he has plenty of time for photo ops with his wealthy supporters.
Democrats support fairer taxes, a secure border, reproductive rights, gun safety laws, and a serious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s time for change in Indiana. Please vote for the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket, Valerie McCray for Senate, Jennifer McCormick for Governor, Destiny Wells for Attorney General, and Lori Camp for Congress.
Stephen Wylder
Elkhart
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Respect the public, answer questions
